Phonocardiogram Foot Switch—An Extra Hand

ABSTRACT

To the Editor:—Recording phonocardiograms in an office is very difficult, unaided. One of the outstanding problems is the lack of sufficient hands to operate all the controls and the sensors. In office work, I use a standard cardiogram (Sanborn Twin Beam) for recording heart sounds, pulses, etc. I have attached a foot switch (Mallory "Treadlite," Model T-51-SC) (Fig) to electrical screws No. 3 and 4 of the paper propulsion system. Normally, this is an open switch. After the appropriate adjustments are made on the console, both of my hands may be busy holding a microphone, carotid pick-up, etc. With the foot switch I am able to activate the paper drive and record with ocular monitoring of the record without moving my body. My hands are free for things other than turning the paper switch.The foot switch can be applied in five minutes and costs only $4. I have

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